The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has declared confidence in former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing him as “a man of honour” who can be trusted to keep his promise to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja, MBF National President, Dr Bitrus Pogu, said the forum’s position was informed by Obi’s track record of integrity and consistency.
“We believe Peter Obi is a man of honour and we believe that if he gets the win and he promises or promised something, he will keep to it,” Pogu stated.
“As a people, we have no reason to doubt him because we know he is a man of integrity and honour who keeps his words.”
Pogu clarified that his remarks were strictly on behalf of the Middle Belt and not the entire northern region. He added that the number of terms a president should serve ought to be determined by the constitution and the electorate, rather than regional interests.
“That issue is for the future,” he said. “For now, we believe Peter Obi because of his integrity.”
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement a grassroots political network loyal to Obi is expanding its influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Over the weekend, members convened in Ibadan for the Oyo State Obidient Conference, themed “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible.”
The gathering at the Empowerment Centre, Ring Road, attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organisers from across the state.
Renowned University of Ibadan linguist, Prof Francis Egbokhare, delivered a keynote address criticising Nigeria’s governance failures.
“Nigeria is a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” Egbokhare declared. “Confusing ways and means with strategy is a terrible error. Do not play a game you have neither mastered nor can control; change the game or change the rules.”
Egbokhare stressed the need for a mindset shift before any meaningful political victory, urging the movement to prioritise strategy, integrity, and national unity.
“Good intentions are not enough. We must plan well, execute with discipline, and love what we preach,” he said.
Obi Remains in Labour Party, Says Movement Coordinator
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa, used the occasion to dismiss speculation about Obi leaving the Labour Party.
“For the point of clearance, Mr Peter Obi is a member of Labour Party,” Yunusa explained. “He intends to run in the 2027 general elections and is focused on a single term if elected.”
Yunusa argued that Nigeria’s most pressing problems could be significantly addressed within one year if leadership prioritised human development, citing Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor as an example.
“One term to set the tone, restore hope, and pass the baton to a leadership class that understands service,” he said.
Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Ayo Akinyemi, described the conference as a pivotal moment for members to align their strategies for national change.
“We genuinely seek change in Nigeria and recognise that the country’s political and socio-economic challenges require collective determination,” Akinyemi said. “Peter Obi remains the credible leader capable of driving that change.”
The Labour Party came third in Nigeria’s contentious 2023 presidential election, with Obi securing strong youth and urban support under the “Obidient” banner. Analysts say his one-term pledge could be a strategic move to attract broader political backing ahead of the 2027 polls.
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